Compare the2023 Acura RDXVS 2023 BMW X4

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Acura RDX are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW X4 doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the RDX and the X4 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

For its performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, daytime pedestrian crash prevention, and nighttime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the RDX its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2023, a rating granted to only 29 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The X4 has not been tested, yet.

Acura’s powertrain warranty covers the RDX 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than BMW covers the X4. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the X4 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the RDX’s reliability 12 points higher than the X4.

The RDX’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 24 more horsepower (272 vs. 248) and 22 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 258) than the X4 xDrive30i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the RDX gets better mileage than the X4:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Acura RDX uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The X4 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The RDX has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The X4 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Acura RDX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the X4.

For better traction, the RDX A-Spec’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the X4 (255/45R20 vs. 245/44R20).

The RDX has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The X4 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

For better maneuverability, the RDX’s turning circle is .9 feet tighter than the X4’s (38.9 feet vs. 39.8 feet).

For greater off-road capability the RDX has a greater minimum ground clearance than the X4 (8.2 vs. 8 inches), allowing the RDX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Acura RDX may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 400 pounds less than the BMW X4.

The RDX uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The X4 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The RDX has 6.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the X4 (104 vs. 97.8).

The RDX has .9 inches more front legroom, 2.2 inches more front shoulder room, .8 inches more rear headroom, 2.9 inches more rear legroom and .6 inches more rear shoulder room than the X4.

The RDX has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the X4 with its rear seat up (31.1 vs. 18.5 cubic feet). The RDX has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the X4 with its rear seat folded (79.8 vs. 50.5 cubic feet).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Acura service is better than BMW. J.D. Power ranks Acura 6th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 5% lower rating, BMW is ranked 7th.

The RDX’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The X4 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the RDX has a standard rear wiper. The X4 doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

The RDX is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The X4 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Insurance will cost less for the RDX owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the RDX will cost $2985 to $5180 less than the X4 over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Acura RDX will be $10652 to $12217 less than for the BMW X4.

The Acura RDX has won recognition from these important consumer publications:

The Acura RDX outsold the BMW X4 by almost three to one during 2022.